Philadelphia Residents Struggle with Heating Costs, But Assistance Programs Available

Community Legal Services offers free help to low-income residents in applying for home heating aid programs.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:47am

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With the bitter cold settling in across the Philadelphia region, many families are struggling to keep up with rising utility bills or dealing with broken heating systems. Community Legal Services is offering free assistance to low-income residents in the city, including help applying for home heating assistance programs like LIHEAP and utility company payment plans that can reduce monthly bills.

Why it matters

Heating costs can be a major burden for low-income Philadelphia families, especially during the winter months. This story highlights the availability of assistance programs that can help alleviate the financial strain, ensuring residents can stay warm and safe during the cold weather.

The details

Many Philadelphians are unaware of the various home heating assistance programs available, including LIHEAP which can help cover the cost of heating system repairs or replacements. Utility companies like PECO and PGW also offer low-income payment plans that can significantly reduce monthly bills. Community Legal Services is working to connect eligible residents with these resources.

  • The Philadelphia region is currently experiencing bitter cold temperatures.
  • LIHEAP assistance is available through April 10.

The players

Roe Minicozzi

A South Philadelphia resident whose furnace stopped working, leaving her struggling to stay warm.

Tue Ho

An attorney with Community Legal Services' energy unit, which provides free assistance to low-income Philadelphia residents.

Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation

The organization that oversees heating system repairs and replacements for eligible LIHEAP applicants.

PECO

A utility company that offers low-income payment programs to help reduce monthly bills.

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW)

A utility company that offers low-income payment programs and hardship grants to assist customers.

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What they’re saying

“I sit next to it all day. I don't think I can do another day here. I'm just, I'm frozen.”

— Roe Minicozzi (CBS News Philadelphia)

“People should know that there are resources out there.”

— Tue Ho, Attorney, Community Legal Services (CBS News Philadelphia)

What’s next

Residents can contact Community Legal Services through its intake line or online to apply for LIHEAP and other heating assistance programs. The LIHEAP application period runs through April 10.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of raising awareness about the various heating assistance programs available to low-income Philadelphia residents, ensuring they can stay warm and safe during the winter months. By connecting eligible families with these resources, Community Legal Services is playing a vital role in supporting the community.